Daily Tabloid Tittle-tattle And Pure Invention (mostly)

[EastSaxCol]

THE SUN

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Arsenal were "co-operating" with Manchester United to stop Chelsea winning the title

Terry Venables has revealed that he was initially reluctant to become Steve McClaren's assistant with England

DAILY STAR

Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United that the title race is not over yet as he accused Arsenal of a lack of ambition after yesterday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge

Portsmouth defender Andy Griffin is eyeing up a third spell with Stoke

DAILY MIRROR

Celtic players ended yesterday's 2-1 win at Dunfermline fighting amongst themselves as they argued over who was to blame for Dunfermline's late consolation goal

Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock believes that the uncertainty over his future at Bramall Lane could wreck his transfer plans in January

James Beattie's future at Everton is in doubt after being hauled off at half-time against Portsmouth at the weekend

Former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley is being linked with moves to Celtic, Rangers and Dundee United north of the border, and Southampton and Sunderland in the Championship

Sunderland are tracking Hibernian midfielder Michael Stewart

Stoke and West Brom want Brighton defender Joel Lynch P

Portsmouth and Blackburn are keen to sign PSV Eindhoven left-back Michael Ball

DAILY EXPRESS

Chelsea are "preparing the ground" in case Jose Mourinho walks out on the club at the end of the season

Wolves are set to swoop for Scunthorpe duo Andy Keogh and Billy Sharp in January

DAILY MAIL

Steven Pressley is being courted by a clutch of Scottish and English clubs after leaving Hearts by mutual consent

DAILY RECORD

Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov is ready for a battle on three fronts over the departure of Steven Pressley, former boss Graham Rix and former chief executive Phil Anderton

BBC:-

Portsmouth and Blackburn are battling for the signature of PSV Eindhoven's English left-back, Michael Ball. (Daily Mirror)

Celtic have had a £700,000 bid for Anthony Stokes rejected by Arsenal, who want £1m for the striker presently on loan with Falkirk. (Daily Express)

Stoke and West Brom both want to sign Brighton's £1m-rated teenage defender, Joel Lynch. (Daily Mirror)

Southampton boss George Burley wants to take his former skipper at Hearts, Steven Pressley, to St Mary's. (Daily Mirror)

Rangers manager Paul Le Guen has been given the go-ahead to make an approach for freed Hearts defender Steven Pressley. (The Sun)

Rangers are unlikely to make a move for Steven Pressley, preferring a younger target in January. (Daily Express)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is tracking Hibernian midfielder Michael Stewart. (Daily Mirror)

James Beattie's Everton future is in doubt after a miserable weekend during which he was substituted at half-time. (Daily Mirror)

OTHER GOSSIP

Chelsea are preparing the ground in case manager Jose Mourinho walks out on the club at the end of the season. (Daily Express)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claims Arsenal are co-operating with Manchester United to stop the Blues winning the Premiership. (The Sun)

Meanwhile, Ashley Cole and Cesc Fabregas were involved in an "amazing tunnel fracas" after the Arsenal man refused to shake his ex-team-mate's hand. (The Sun)

Man Utd chief executive David Gill says "actions are louder than words" in response to Chelsea's wish to be the world's biggest club by 2014. (The Sun)

David Beckham is set to make an emotional return to Old Trafford for a charity game on 13 March. (The Sun)

One million people lined the route as a gun carriage bore Hungary legend Ferenc Puskas on his final journey from lying-in-state in the Budapest Stadium to the Basilica of St Stephen. (Daily Mail)

AND FINALLY...

Graham Kavanagh says Sunderland's poor start to life in the Championship may have been down to their Abba soundtrack in the dressing-room. (The Sun)

Aston Villa's flying winger Gabriel Agbonlahor says he relaxes by playing as himself on Pro Evolution Soccer on his computer. (Various)

"I've been studying the table and it'd be nice to get on that first page of Ceefax", says Sunderland boss Roy Keane on their top half hopes. (The Independent)

Reading's Sidwell targeted by West Ham

tribalfooball.com - December 10, 2006

Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell has emerged as a £6 million target for West Ham boss Alan Pardew.

The People says new Hammers owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson wants to bring in home grown talent in the transfer window, with £6 million rated Sidwell top of the list.

Gudmundsson said: ''There are some very good players in England. They help the team spirit. That's what we're looking for."

[EastSaxCol]

Maybe less of the invention today. Regarding Pardew , West Ham anyway.

THE SUN

Alan Pardew was kicked out of West Ham after bust-ups with key players.

Alan Curbishley has been approached to become West Ham's new boss with Wigan's Paul Jewell also in the frame, but Sven-Goran Eriksson is slipping out of the running.

Newcastle strker Albert Luque's bid to join Villarreal has been thwarted by his wage demands.

Birmingham are ready to make a £1.5million bid for Nottingham Forest striker Nathan Tyson.

Derby boss Billy Davies is fearing a big-money bid in January from Spurs or Liverpool for Giles Barnes.

Injuries could force Portsmouth to play Sol Campbell as a striker when he returns to face Arsenal.

Everton are eyeing a move for Denmark international goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen.

Sheffield United will decide this week whether to make a move for Egyptian trialist Ahmed Fathi.

John Hartson has vowed to quit West Brom in 18 months' time to join hometown club Swansea City.

DAILY STAR

Alan Curbishley is in the frame for a return to West Ham as manager after Alan Pardew was sacked by the club's new owners on Monday.

Sir Alex Ferguson says that Manchester United will only be in trouble "if they listen to Jose too much".

Manchester United are tracking Bordeaux's £5million-rated midfielder Antonio Rio Mavuba.

Manchester City may move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh.

Rotherham striker Will Hoskins has been targeted by Ipswich Town.

DAILY MIRROR

Alan Curbishley has been lined up as West Ham's next manager after the axe finally fell on Alan Pardew.

Blackburn are ready to sell Lucas Neill to Liverpool after Rovers fans turned on the skipper during Saturday's home defeat to Newcastle.

Real Madrid are set to pip Chelsea to the signing of River Plate striker Fernando Higuain.

Fulham want to sign PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mika Vayrynen in January.

Aston Villa are set to move for Wolves keeper Matt Murray in January.

Sheffield United are chasing Jamaican striker Luton Shelton, who plays for Swedish side Helsingborgs.

DAILY EXPRESS

Alan Curbishley admits he's interested in replacing the sacked Alan Pardew as West Ham boss.

DAILY MAIL

West Ham want Alan Curbishley to save them from relegation after sacking manager Alan Pardew - and he could be in place for Sunday's clash with Manchester United.

Blackburn will move for Southampton defender Chris Baird if Lucas Neill quits Ewood Park to join Liverpool.

DAILY RECORD

Former Hearts skipper Steven Pressley has become a shock transfer-window target for Celtic. Rangers are also monitoring the defender's situation.

BBC:-

Blackburn are ready to sell Lucas Neill to Liverpool after the Ewood Park fans turned on the defender, who has kept the captain's armband despite wanting to leave the club. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle, Aston Villa and Portsmouth are lining up to swoop for Charlton striker Darren Bent in January. (Daily Star)

Chelsea are set to be pipped by Real Madrid in the battle to land River Plate forward Fernando Higuain. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield United will decide this week whether to make a £1m move for Egypt midfielder Ahmed Fathi in January after inviting the Ismaili star for a trial. (The Sun)

Aston Villa are ready to move for Wolves keeper Matt Murray in January. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle winger Albert Luque's bid to join Villarreal has failed because of his wage demands. (The Sun)

Manchester City may move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh for £2m. (Daily Star)

Fulham want to sign PSV Eindhoven midfielder Mika Vayrynen for £3m. (Daily Mirror)

Rotherham's £600,000-rated striker Will Hoskins is being targeted by Celtic and Ipswich. (Daily Star)

Striker John Hartson has vowed to quit West Brom when his contract ends in 18 months so he can join hometown club Swansea. (The Sun)

Sheffield United are chasing Jamaican striker Luton Shelton, who plays for Helsingborg. (Daily Mirror)

Birmingham are lining up a £1.5m move for Nottingham Forest striker Nathan Tyson. (Various)

Dundee United and Southampton are both prepared to offer former Hearts defender Steven Pressley a player-coach role. (Daily Record)

Manchester City are considering a move for £2m-rated Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. (Daily Star)

Manchester United will move for £5m midfielder Antonio Rio Mavuba next summer if they fail to snare Owen Hargreaves. (Daily Star)

Watford, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are chasing striker Damian Scannell, who plays for non-league Fisher Athletic. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Former Charlton manager Alan Curbishley is in the frame to become the new boss of West Ham following the sacking of Alan Pardew. (Various)

Pardew received £1m in compensation following his sacking. (Daily Express)

Charlton are considering a move for Pardew because head coach Les Reed has failed to halt the club's slide in the Premiership. (Daily Mirror)

Newcastle are suffering from an injury crisis, with 14 players likely to be unavailable for Wednesday's match against Chelsea. (Various)

Watford, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are chasing striker Damian Scannell, who plays for non-league Fisher Athletic. (Daily Mail)

Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann says Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard "is a specialist in insulting people" following Sunday's match between the two sides. (Daily Mirror)

AND FINALLY...

Postman Francis Vines has been up at 4am plotting how to beat beat Aldershot in their FA Cup replay, with the Basingstoke manager saying: "I always do tactics while I am doing deliveries. Inspiration comes as I pound the streets, while everyone else is asleep."

Daily Mail article:

Did arrogant players let Pardew down?

By LEE CLAYTON

Last updated at 08:42am on 12th December 2006

"I am impressed with Alan Pardew, even though we haven't had the results we hoped for. I have faith in him. he is an important part of this club moving forward" — Eggert Magnusson, eight days ago

The cold blast from Scandinavia arrived just two games later. Two defeats, admittedly; two poor performances, certainly, but does the Egghead and his mate with the money have any idea what West Ham and their manager have gone through?

West Ham fans are said to be planning a mass demonstration on Sunday. Instead of coming together to support the team as Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo roll into town, they will once again unite against the board. Bright move, Eggert.

A new board, but another short-sighted, panic-ridden mess. A bright, brilliant manager has been sacked. It's chaos at Upton Park again, the bubbles have burst. The manager who restored respect, direction and discipline has been fired.

If Magnusson says one thing and then does another, how can he be trusted? If bad decisions get their just rewards, West Ham will be playing at Hull next season.

Pardew won over supporters who needed to blame someone for the betrayal of their loyalty and the sale of their stars. He restored their faith and belief.

His players cannot escape so easily. They will continue on fat, long contracts — and it should be noted some were given longer deals than recommended by the manager.

Second season syndrome, they call it. Nigel Reo-Coker, the over-rated captain, Marlon Harewood, Yossi Benayoun, Anton Ferdinand and Paul Konchesky have all suffered a dose. Only Hayden Mullins, Pardew's first signing, can hold up his head.

Walk around the club and you can see the change since Pardew swept in. Ice baths have been installed in the changing rooms at a club where players once responded to a change of menu by sneaking off to load up with McDonald's. Pardew's modern methods have been welcomed and embraced.

West Ham fans, traditionally suspicious of outsiders, took their time to warm to the new manager.

But he stood up for every game, never sat down to hide from the abuse and used a tight budget to rebuild a team. I was a fierce critic too, until he summoned me for a private chat during the dark days of the Championship.

We spoke at length about the club, his ambitions, his difficulties. It changed my opinion. I had been too quick to judge — now the new owners have been guilty of a similar act of hasty foolishness.

'It's chaos at Upton Park, the bubbles have burst'

Pardew reached two play off finals and an FA Cup Final in three seasons and signed players such as Dean Ashton and Danny Gabbidon. The club that sold stars were buying them once more. How the club have missed Ashton, injured on England duty before the start of the season.

Then the arrogance kicked in. One player was overheard telling his team-mates: "I should be at Manchester United or Arsenal." A senior colleague mockingly replied: "Do you know what it takes to play for Manchester United, son? You want to take a look at yourself." Such has been the growing friction this season.

In the summer Pardew wanted Steed Malbranque, Pascal Chimbonda and James Milner. Instead, he was told he could sign Damien Johnson from Birmingham.

Senior members of the coaching staff were impressed with Pardew's attention to detail when signing a player. Yet when Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano were forced on the manager by the board and their new mate Kia Joorabchian, he had 12 hours notice.

Despite their promise and ability it clearly unsettled a tight group and provided the players with an excuse to down tools. They still beat Arsenal 1-0 only four games ago and Pardew was ultimately judged in a game when Gabbidon and Ferdinand were injured.

Pardew never hid. "I won't disguise it and say we've been unlucky. Yes, there have been two or three good performances but, ultimately, defeat, defeat, defeat, defeat. No goals. No clean sheets. That's where we're at," he told me the last time we met.

Frozen out by the Icemen, he will thaw and return soon, possibly at Charlton. But how will West Ham's new owners handle the good old East End heat that is coming their way?

Daily Mirror article:

LOST HIS PLAYERS... LOST HIS JOB

No respect for Pardew at the end

John Cross

BEHIND all the excuses, rumours and poor performances, one factor above all ultimately cost Alan Pardew his job as West Ham manager.

He had 'lost' his players over the course of what is turning out to be one of the turbulent campaigns in the history of a club renowned for its stability.

And Saturday night's crushing defeat at Bolton left new owner Eggert Magnusson with no choice but to pull the trigger - less than three weeks after assuring Pardew about his long-term future.

Icelandic biscuit tycoon Magnusson may be new to English football, but there was no escaping the fact that the tame surrender at the Reebok Stadium pointed an accusing finger at Pardew's ability to organise and motivate his team.

His authority ebbed away this season as internet rumours about his private life circulated, leaving the players laughing behind his back at the allegations.

The dressing room was unsettled by takeover talk and the arrival of Argentinian stars Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez - yet the buck must stop with Pardew.

After Magnusson's buyout was completed in the build-up to the Sheffield United game three weeks ago, Pardew spoke positively about the future and how the club could finally go forward without ownership doubts hanging over them.

West Ham managed to beat the Blades, but their next three games saw them lose at Everton, against Wigan at home and then at Bolton, as it became clear that the problem lay much deeper.

Pardew had a heart-to-heart with Magnusson after the Wigan disaster and was told in no uncertain terms that things must improve quickly - or else.

Then on the plane home from the humiliation at Bolton, it was made plain to Pardew that his time was running out.

However, he still arrived for his final meeting at Upton Park yesterday morning hoping to learn how much money he would be given to spend in January - only to get the bullet instead.

Pardew was devastated and may now take a short holiday before trying to return to management as quickly as possible.

Despite this setback, he has proved his qualities beyond doubt.

His former club, Charlton, desperately struggling with Les Reed yet to make a significant improvement, are known to be admirers and so Pardew's stock remains high. But there are unlikely to be too many emotional goodbyes from the Hammers' players, who have struggled so badly this season.

Pardew shocked them all by turning up for training in a Ferrari. He earned in excess of £1.5m last year in wages and bonuses by consolidating West Ham's Premiership status, reaching the FA Cup final and leading them into the UEFA Cup.

That new Ferrari smacked of a man in a mid-life crisis, rather than a football manager in the middle of a full-scale crisis in his job. The arrival of Tevez and Mascherano from Brazilian club Corinthians did not cost the club a penny, as they were delivered with the compliments of Iranian Kia Joorabchian, who was heading a potential takeover bid.

But there was still a hefty price to pay as noses were put out of joint - particularly that belonging to midfielder Hayden Mullins, who was outstanding last season.

Then there was captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who has struggled for form ever since he became aware of interest from Arsenal and Manchester United during the summer transfer window.

That left Reo-Coker unsettled and unhappy - and Pardew's relationship with his captain never recovered.

Neither have the player's performances.

The problems have multiplied - striker Dean Ashton's broken ankle added to the club's troubles and keeper Roy Carroll's spell in rehabilitation for gambling and drink addictions made things worse.

But it was pretty clear that Carroll was not the only bigmoney gambler at the club.

After a home defeat by Newcastle, the manager made another mistake.

Pardew tried to rally his troops by insisting he was a millionaire, didn't need the job and if they were not performing then it was themselves they were harming, and not him.

The players took it the wrong way and relations were further soured.

It would be easy to forget the remarkable job Pardew has done during his spell at West Ham.

But he was undone by a season of turmoil at Upton Park - and when he reflects on what went wrong, there can be no doubt that he will be forced to accept the lion's share of the blame.

Guardian article:

Curbishley keen to become West Ham manager

LONDON, Dec 12 (Reuters)

Former Charlton Athletic manager Alan Curbishley said he will talk to West Ham United's new owner Eggert Magnusson in the next few days to discuss the managerial vacancy at Upton Park.

Curbishley has emerged as favourite to succeed Alan Pardew who was sacked on Monday after five defeats in six league games which left the club third from bottom of the Premier League.

"I'd love to know what they want to say -- of course I'm interested," Curbishley told Tuesday's Daily Express.

"I suspect we will get together over the next day or so when the dust has settled."

Curbishley, who played for West Ham in the 1970s, left Charlton after 15 years in charge at the end of last season saying he wanted a break from football.

"Perhaps having the chance to manage them, five years after they were allegedly seeking me to replace Harry Redknapp, is a massive honour," Curbishley added.

"Once you are brought up in a background like West Ham the affection you have for the club never goes away."

Pardew, who took over from Glenn Roeder in October, 2003, steered West Ham to ninth in the Premier League last season and to the FA Cup final, having gained promotion via the playoffs the previous season.

They have struggled this season, however, and are two points adrift of safety, having lost 11 of their 17 league matches.

First team coach Kevin Keen has been placed in temporary charge of first team affairs, starting with a home game against league leaders Manchester United on Sunday.

[mrbojangles]

Manchester City may move for Bordeaux's Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh for £2m. (Daily Star)

Looks like we're the last of the big spenders again

Come on somebody, buy us out and we might be able to add another £10m onto that figure

[EastSaxCol]

HE SUN

Alan Curbishley has only to sign a £2.5m-a-year contract to complete the deal to become West Ham's new manager

Charlton fear that Alan Curbishley will make Darren Bent his first signing as West Ham boss

Hull City are in talks with former Charlton boss Iain Dowie over the vacant job at the KC Stadium

Liverpool look set to sign Blackburn defender Lucas Neill in January, with Stephen Warnock and £1m going to Rovers

DAILY STAR

Alan Curbishley could be confirmed as the new West Ham manager as early as today

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is set to be named in the England squad for February's friendly with Spain

Steve McClaren has laughed off suggestions that he and his number two Terry Venables will split in the New Year

Wolves are ready to move for Plymouth full-back Tony Capaldi

West Brom are braced for a £2m bid from Roma for striker Diomansy Kamara

Sheffield Wednesday want to sign Fulham keeper Mark Crossley on a permanent contract once his loan deal ends on January 1

Portsmouth midfielder Ognjen Koroman is wanted by Red Star Belgrade

Leeds are lining up a £250,000 raid on Conference leaders Oxford for Andy Burgess

DAILY MIRROR

West Ham are expected to finalise the deal to confirm Alan Curbishley as their new manager today

Spurs have agreed a £2.5m bid for Lens midfielder Adel Taarabt

Fulham are interested in signing Celtic contract rebel Shaun Maloney

Sheffield United have joined Reading and Everton in the hunt for Dynamo Kiev's £1m-rated defender Goran Gavrancic

DAILY EXPRESS

Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton is set to be named in the England squad to face Spain in February's friendly

Iain Dowie has emerged as the front-runner to replace Phil Parkinson as Hull City boss

DAILY MAIL

Wigan are lining up a move for Sweden under-21 international defender Andreas Granqvist

Bolton have been told they will need to pay £400,000 to land Crewe defender Jon Otsemobor

DAILY RECORD

England boss Steve McClaren has said that he will travel to Glasgow soon to watch Celtic left-back Lee Naylor in action

Arsenal have told Celtic to forget about trying to sign Gunners striker Anthony Stokes, currently on loan with Falkirk - Sunderland and Wolves are also keen

BBC:

Charlton fear that Alan Curbishley will try and snatch striker Darren Bent from them when he takes over West Ham. (The Sun)

Spurs boss Martin Jol has tied up his first deal for January's transfer window after agreeing a £2.5m deal for Lens midfielder Adel Taarabt. (Daily Mirror)

Fulham boss Chris Coleman wants to speak to Celtic contract rebel Shaun Maloney when the transfer window opens. (Daily Mirror)

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has ruled out any possibility of Andriy Shevchenko returning to the San Siro. (Daily Mirror)

Rangers have launched a bid to land £250,000-rated Romanian youth international Marius Alexi from Dinamo Bucharest. (Scottish Daily Express)

Newcastle United have emerged as contenders to fight it out with Celtic and Southampton to sign former Hearts captain Steven Pressley. (Scottish Sun)

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham offered Alan Curbishley their managerial job on Tuesday night, with the former Charlton boss only needing to sign a £2.5m-a-year deal. (The Sun)

Curbishley could even be unveiled by the Hammers on Wednesday. (Various)

Key to Curbishley taking over is his desire for a two-and-a-half year deal and the freedom to bring in his own backroom staff. (The Times)

Curbishley could be given up to £25m to spend in the January transfer window. (Daily Telegraph)

Alan Pardew was sacked because relegation would spell doom for West Ham. (Daily Express)

Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson gave Curbishley a ringing endorsement when consulted by West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson. (Daily Mirror)

England are set to call up Joey Barton for the friendly with Spain in February, despite the Manchester City midfielder's criticism of the national side's performance at the World Cup. (Various)

England coach Steve McClaren is set to give Celtic star Lee Naylor the chance to prove he can cut it at international level. (Daily Record)

Premiership clubs will not be told the findings of Lord Stevens' bungs inquiry until a week before the report is made public next week. (Daily Telegraph)

The Quest team will be granted a second extension to complete its bungs inquiry after Lord Stevens told the Premier League board there was a suspicion of wrongdoing in a number of transfer deals. (The Guardian)

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is set to drop misfiring £31m striker Andriy Shevchenko. (The Independent)

Former Rangers striker Shota Arveladze believes Barry Ferguson made a mistake in coming back to Rangers too soon from Blackburn Rovers. (Scottish Sun)

AND FINALLY...

Sheffield FC's claim to be the oldest football club in the world is under threat from Cambridge University FC, who held a lunch to celebrate their 150th anniversary at the weekend. Sheffield's 150th anniversary is next year. (The Guardian)

Wayne Rooney escaped injury when Boston Celtics' 6ft 8in star Paul Pierce landed on his famous right foot while the Manchester United star was courtside for a New York Knicks basketball game. (The Sun)

Sky Sports article:

Prem interest a lift for Brunt

By Mark Buckingham - Created on 13 Dec 2006

Brian Laws believes West Ham United's interest in Chris Brunt is a lift for the player and Sheffield Wednesday.

The winger has been watched by Hammers scouts this season, although there is no suggestion of an imminent bid from the Premiership club.

Brunt has impressed for The Owls in recent months, particularly since Laws' appointment as manager at Hillsborough.

Laws is not surprised that clubs are taking an interest in his players, but has not fielded any enquiries for Brunt.

The managerial upheaval at West Ham could put any bid on hold, although Laws is happy the Northern Ireland international is receiving recognition.

"I haven't heard anything about this, but this sort of thing is always likely to happen when your team are doing well," Laws told the Sheffield Star.

"It's a lift for Chris and for us, because it shows how well we're doing, and I've said before that he is capable of playing at the top level."

[muckypups]

Happy Hammer.. Thanks, a great round up of all the days gossip, great read.

You'll realise, if you peruse a certain other thread, that I'm a Man Utd supporter..and I must say I'm getting nervous.. change of manager at a club in trouble often guarantees a good result in the next match..and if Curbishley signs then you may well turn your performances around. (no problem for me, I've always had a soft spot for the Hammers)..but please, don't start this weekend..

[EastSaxCol]

Thanks for the acknowledgement mate.

I daren't predict Sunday's result. Tonked by you 3-0 (thanks Pards) 2-2 new manager, reignited spirit , better tactics or, well you've got to lose sometime 2-1?

Whatever, better you than the yuppies of West London come the end of the season

[farangconnection]

Thanks for the acknowledgement mate.

I daren't predict Sunday's result. Tonked by you 3-0 (thanks Pards) 2-2 new manager, reignited spirit , better tactics or, well you've got to lose sometime 2-1?

Whatever, better you than the yuppies of West London come the end of the season

With Curbs in charge, I'm sure you can do us a favour and " Stick it up 'em"

[EastSaxCol]

DAILY MIRROR

Edwin van der Sar has been offered a new one-year deal at Manchester United. Liverpool chief exec Rick Parry has warned Kopites the club will not splash the cash like Chelsea if their £450million takeover goes through.

Les Reed is already losing the Charlton dressing room after clashes with two of his players, believed to be Jerome Thomas and Marcus Bent.

Spurs will go back in for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing in the January transfer window.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is set to axe Fabio Rochemback in a January shake-up.

Roy Keane wants Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer, a former team-mate at Manchester United, to join him at Sunderland.

Alan Curbishley says he took Sir Alex Ferguson's advice before taking charge at

West Ham.

THE SUN

Everton are readying a £10million swoop for West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker.

Captain Steven Gerrard says Liverpool are in safe hands if the £450million takeover by Dubai International Capital goes through.

Sir Alex Ferguson claims David Beckham was not amongst a group of six "world class" players that have played for him at Manchester United.

DAILY STAR

Former Charlton man Iain Dowie will be installed as Hull's new boss in the next 24 hours.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out selling the on-loan Nicolas Bendtner and Anthony Stokes in January.

Everton are ready to test Alan Curbishley's resolve by bidding for West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker.

DAILY EXPRESS

Everton are lining up West Ham's unsettled skipper Nigel Reo-Coker as their first swoop of 2007.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane has played down suggestions he wants Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer.

Hull will cash in on their £2million-rated goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, who is a target for several Premiership clubs, including Everton.

Danny Webber has urged Sheffield United to give team-mate Keith Gillespie a new deal.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has agreed to extend his stay at Old Trafford.

DAILY MAIL

Eggert Magnusson has admitted Alan Curbishley was always his first choice to take over at West Ham even before Alan Pardew was sacked.

Everton hope to take advantage of Nigel Reo-Coker being unsettled at West Ham by making a bid for him.

Middlesbrough midfielder Fabio Rochemback is on his way to Sporting Lisbon in January.

DAILY RECORD

Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley could be the next to leave the Jambos with a displinary hearing with Vladimir Romanov.

BBC:

Everton may give new West Ham boss Alan Curbishley an early problem by swooping for £10m-rated Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker. (Various)

Tottenham will renew their attempt to sign Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing in January. (Daily Mirror)

Liverpool are making a move for French teenage striker Gilles Sunu, 16, who plays for Chateauroux. (Daily Mirror)

Portsmouth are interested in former Rangers defender Michael Ball, who has fallen out of favour at PSV Eindhoven. (The Independent)

Stoke striker Sam Bangoura is on the verge of a six-month loan switch to FC Brussels, with a view to a permanent transfer. (Various)

Helsingborg defender Andreas Granqvist claims that Wigan are interested in signing him. (The Independent)

Sunderland boss Roy Keane wants to sign his former Manchester United team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on loan. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United are tracking Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta. (Daily Mirror)

Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham are tracking striker Robbie Winters after he was made a free agent by Norwegian club SK Brann. (Daily Star)

Reading are set to make a £1m bid for Hull keeper Boaz Myhill. (Daily Mirror)

QPR have admitted defeat in their battle to keep striker Ray Jones, who has refused a new deal and who has been linked to Fulham, Liverpool and Wigan. (Various)

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has ruled out selling Nicklas Bendtner, who is on loan at Birmingham, and Anthony Stokes, who is on loan at Falkirk. (Daily Star)

Aberdeen have brought back 17-year-old striker David Ross from Inverurie Locos - two years after telling him he had no future at Pittodrie. (Daily Record)

Cardiff defender Darren Purse insists he has no intention of leaving the club, despite interest from Watford and Wigan. (Daily Telegraph)

Peterhead will listen to offers for defender Craig Tully as boss Steve Paterson looks to generate funds to add to his squad. (Daily Express)

OTHER GOSSIP

West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson has admitted that he wanted Alan Curbishley to be the new manager before he sacked Alan Pardew. (Daily Mail)

Curbishley has vowed to make up for his lost years at West Ham after admitting he did not fulfil his potential there as a player. (Daily Express)

Luton defender Sol Davis played his first competitive game since suffering a stroke in October by turning out in the 1-1 reserve-team draw at Northampton - and he also scored an own goal. (The Sun)

Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has praised Glenn Roeder because the Magpies boss has never complained about the club's injury plight. (Various)

Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar, 36, has been offered a new one-year deal by boss Sir Alex Ferguson. (Various)

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo believe the physical nature of the Premiership means there are hardly any technically gifted players. (The Sun)

Hull chairman Adam Pearson is hoping to install ex-Charlton boss Iain Dowie as manager after the Boxing Day game against Leicester. (Daily Star)

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is confident he will return in January after suffering a knee injury in November. (The Independent)

Rangers boss Paul Le Guen will take a massive gamble by leaving five key players out of Thursday's Uefa Cup match against Partizan Belgrade - Barry Ferguson, Dado Prso, Jeremy Clement, Charlie Adam and Libor Sionko. (Daily Record)

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has warned the fans that the club will not splash out like Chelsea if the £450m takeover by Dubai International Capital goes through. (Various)

Midfielder Steven Gerrard believes the future is bright for Liverpool - if the takeover goes ahead. (Various)

Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley's career is in the balance as he prepares for a showdown with club owner Vladimir Romanov. (Daily Record)

Charlton head coach Les Reed has clashed with two of his players, which has increased speculation that ex-West Ham boss Alan Pardew may be hired in a bid to save the club from relegation. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa may face a goalkeeping crisis, with Stephen Taylor visiting a specialist to assess a knee injury and with Thomas Sorensen likely to be ruled out until the new year with a shoulder injury. (The Times)

Bolton striker El Hadji Diouf believes the club are ready to mount a serious bid for a Champions League place. (The Sun)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is set to invest at least £20m in a bid to revive the fortunes of the Russian national team. (The Times)

Falkirk striker Alan Gow, who has been linked to Levante and QPR, will make a decision on his future in January after refusing to sign a new deal. (Daily Record)

The Uefa presidential election is hotting up, with senior figures suggesting that the battle between Lennart Johansson and Michel Platini is too close to call. (The Guardian)

Former England captain David Beckham has been omitted from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's list of world-class Old Trafford players of the last 20 years. (Various)

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey admits that owner Sir Jack Hayward's offer to sell the club for £20m last month has failed to lure any bidders. (Daily Telegraph)

Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez has praised Motherwell captain Stephen Craigan for his displays at international level and says he expects him to gain 50 caps. (Daily Mail)

Hibernian goalkeeper Simon Brown hopes the arrival of John Collins as manager can lead to a recall to the first team at Easter Road. (The Herald)

AND FINALLY...

Coventry boss Micky Adams says breath tests will be given to any players the club suspects may have been going out over the festive season and the team will also be weighed daily to ensure they are eating properly and are having the correct fluid intake. (The Sun)

A fan gatecrashed a Norwich training session and demanded a trial. At first, players jokingly urged boss Peter Grant to grant his request but when the supporter became agitated and angry it led to him being removed by two police officers. (Various)

The retractable roof at Wembley will take 40 minutes longer to close than originally planned because of safety concerns. It had been hoped it would take 15 minutes. (Various)

[nev]

this is what i love about this football forum,no need to go to other sites i get all my info and updates here,cheers happy hammer.

[EastSaxCol]

Friday 15 Dec

DAILY STAR

Aston Villa are lining up an £8m double swoop for Spurs striker Robbie Keane and Preston frontman David Nugent

Arsene Wenger won't contest the fine handed out to the Arsenal boss for his spat with former West Ham boss Alan Pardew

Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage has called on the boo-boys to leave Lucas Neill alone

Fulham will challenge the home office if US midfielder Clint Dempsey is denied a work permit

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants most of the squad members to stay at Upton Park including skipper Nigel Reo-Coker

Birmingham chairman David Gold has told Jose Mourinho to stop talking nonsense about the idea of playing a Chelsea B team in the Championship

Reading will refuse to sell contract rebel Steve Sidwell in the January window

DAILY MIRROR

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is planning a £3m bid for Matthew Upson from bitter rivals Birmingham

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack admits he is struggling to adapt to the Premiership

Les Reed warned Alan Curbishley not to try and sign Darren Bent via a text message

Robbie Savage says he will be haunted forever if Blackburn went down and his former club Birmingham went up

Leeds want to sign Celtic winger Alan Thompson on loan

Bolton boss Sam Allardyce will try and stop Portsmouth signing Tal Ben Haim

THE SUN

Kanu drops a bombshell by threatening to leave Portsmouth in January and returning to Ajax

Ryan Giggs calls for Manchester United to break the bank to sign Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is determined to exact revenge on Charlton boss Les Reed on Saturday for the way the former England number two treated him at Euro 2000

Charlton boss Les Reed has told new West Ham manager Alan Curbishley to forget about signing Darren Bent

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock says divers should receive a six-match ban

Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz has emerged as the first choice to become the new USA national coach

David Beckham is set to slip further down the Real Madrid pecking order with the imminent signing of Argentine winger Fernando Gago

DAILY MAIL

Newcastle have become the latest club to be taken over by foreign investors with Polygon and the United Bank of Switzerland putting in a joint bid of £227m

Kanu has called on Portsmouth to come up with a new contract in January or he is heading to Ajax

Juvenuts coach Didier Deschamps will make a bid for West Ham's Javier Mascherano

Sheffield United may spend all their transfer kitty on one player with David Nugent a £6m target from Preston

Blackburn are lining up a move for Dynamo Kiev full-back Andriy Nesmachniy which will see Lucas Neill seal his switch to Liverpool

DAILY EXPRESS

The Premier League claim football will never be the same again after Lord Stevens delivered his report into club transfers

West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker will hold clear-the-air talks with new boss Alan Curbishley next week

Clubs in Spain and Italy are keen on signing Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell, who has refused to sign a new deal

DAILY RECORD

John Robertson is ready to back an Edinburgh-based consortium which is considering buying out Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov

Hibs striker Steven Fletcher says he is staying at the club

Celtic winger Aidan McGeady says there will be no lasting problems between himself and Neil Lennon after a bust-up between the pair at Dunfermline

BBC:-

Arsene Wenger faces a battle to keep Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann after interest from Seville. (Various)

Les Reed sent Alan Curbishley a text message warning him off Darren Bent. (Daily Star, Daily Mail)

Curbishley faces a tough task in winning over Paul Konchesky, who left Charlton for West Ham because of his relationship with the manager. (The Guardian)

Aston Villa are lining up a double swoop for Spurs' Robbie Keane and Preston's David Nugent. (Daily Star)

Juventus want to sign West Ham's Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano for £12m. (The Times)

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will wait until the summer to sign Owen Hargreaves if he cannot get his man in January. (The Times)

Bolton are battling to keep Portsmouth target Tal Ben Haim. (Daily Mail)

Reading will refuse to sell contract rebel Steve Sidwell in the January transfer window. (Daily Star)

West Ham skipper Nigel Reo-Coker has denied he will be joining Everton in a £10m deal. (Daily Telegraph)

OTHER GOSSIP

Newcastle emerged as the latest Premiership club to be sold off to foreign owners following secret talks. (Daily Mail)

Magpies boss Glenn Roeder will get a £20m war chest if the £227m sale to American financiers Polygon goes through in the New Year. (The Sun)

Liverpool's Steven Gerrard aims to edge Charlton boss Les Reed further to relegation after falling out with him when he was an England coach. (Various)

Michael Cunnah, the man who has been in charge of the project to build the new Wembley, will be forced out of his job today. (The Times, Daily Mail)

The deadline for West Ham to put forward plans for a move into the Olympic Stadium has been put back until February. (Various)

The FA is finding itself at the centre of the row between Sheffield FC and Cambridge University over who is the oldest football club. (Daily Mail)

Nigel Reo-Coker has been warned not to waste his talent by new Hammers chief Alan Curbishley. (Daily Mirror)

Les Reed has signed a deal to stay as Charlton boss until 2009 - despite only winning one game. (The Sun)

Manchester United assistant Carlos Quieroz has emerged as the number one choice to become the USA's coach. (The Sun)

Former England skipper David Beckham is set to slip further down the Real Madrid pecking with the Spaniards to sign Boca star Fernando Gago. (The Sun)

AND FINALLY...

One of Steven Gerrard's privileges after being given the Freedom of the borough of Knowsley is that he is allowed to drive his sheep down the main street of his home town. (The Times)